Police are calling for the public's help after a six-year-old girl was bitten by a dog on Weymouth Beach.

The girl was with her family playing on the beach near to the Pavilion at around 3.30pm on Thursday, August 30.

A small white dog, described as a 'wire-haired terrier-type', approached her and began to circle her.

It then jumped up and bit the girl on her upper thigh.

The girl’s family approached a man and woman who were with the dog and challenged them. It was reported there was a heated discussion and police were called but the man and woman left the scene with the dog before officers arrived.

The girl, who is from Hampshire, suffered a small puncture wound to her left leg and was advised to contact the local minor injuries unit.

Officers have released photos of two people they would like to speak to in relation to the incident.

Police constable Carl Wood, of Weymouth police, said: “I appreciate this incident happened some weeks ago but we have made a number of attempts to try and identify the man and woman involved that have so far been unsuccessful.

“I am now issuing these photos that were taken of them at the scene in the hope that someone might recognise them.

“I would urge anyone with information as to their identity to contact me. I would also encourage the people pictured to come forward so you can provide us with an account of the incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180140397.